North Korea poses a “very real” threat to peace and is likely to mount fresh attacks on South Korea unless a strong deterrent is in place, the top US military officer said Thursday.
In comments delivered at a time of high cross-border tensions Admiral Mike Mullen said Pyongyang had also given no indication it would drop its nuclear ambitions.
“The threat (from the North) remains very real,” Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff told to pool reporters after attending the inauguration of a new commander of US forces in South Korea.
“North Korea shows no signs of relenting in pursuit of its nuclear capabilities, and I’m not convinced that they won’t provoke again.”Mullen began his Asian tour in Beijing, where he said he urged China “to play a leadership role” in restraining its ally the North.
